It shouldn’t make any difference if you’re in a wheelchair or not… if there’s no room there’s no room. Yelling at the people already on the bus is just as bad as passing up someone in a wheelchair when there is plenty of room for them to get aboard.
Back when it was a novelty and AOL was king, I just checked my e-mail and occasionally spoke up in a chat room or two. My surfing was aimless and chatting with strangers was a let down because I felt like I had nothing to show for hours worth of screen time.
Then, the Internet became more functional for me. I started using it to buy stuff… groceries, Christmas presents… and everything was delivered right to my door. Talk about the ultimate accessibility tool! Forget figuring out how to carry shopping bags while pushing my wheelchair, or negotiating tiny dressing rooms. Instead, I browsed for things I needed from home.
After that, I started using the Web to explore. I found it to be a great resource for up-to-date information. I also discovered that places that are not so wheelchair friendly in real life are barrier-free online. I visited Shakespeare’s house and medieval castles in England. Using on-site kiosks, I toured the inaccessible aspects of these attractions virtually. As a result, the Internet became a place for me -- a “space” to navigate and mine.
Now, I also think of it as a place where I can build. I still use the Internet to get things done and to explore, but it’s become something more. It connects me to others, gives me a publishing platform to express myself, and helps me to grow my social network in new, exciting ways. The Web has a social pay-off.
How do you use the Internet?
]]>So I’ve decided to refocus my blogging to talk more generally about social interactions, online and in person. Looking back at my previous posts, I think the social aspects I discuss are the most interesting. Of course I’ll still address accessibility and such as things strike me. Just expect a wider lens and more variety on Wheels With a View. You’ll be hearing from me!
It was cold and snowing.
“I think my friend could use a hand with the chair,” I said to the driver who had remained in his seat. “Will you please help her put it in the trunk?”
“Nope,” he said. “That’s what she’s here for.”
“Really? I thought she was here because we just went to the movies, and she enjoys my company.”
He glared at me in the rearview.
“How nice for you.”
I didn’t tip him.
]]>So I need ideas! Does anyone know of locally based resources for world travelers with disabilities? I’m not sure if such things exist, but picture this: A travel Web site for people with disabilities by people with disabilities that offers helpful hits on how to navigate every major city in the world in a wheelchair. I think it makes sense to focus on cities because--let’s face it--no one in their right mind is going to want to push a wheelchair through the Alps.
Sometimes there are a few references to accessibility in regular travel guides, but I rarely find the answers I need. Is there something better out there? If not, let’s start something.
]]>Think Ahead. If you’re inviting a whole group of people to do an activity that is inaccessible and you want to invite someone with a disability, go ahead. But before you do, it is important to think through ways in which the person might be included. If you’re going ice skating for example, see if there is a place for the person to sit, watch the action, and sip hot chocolate. That way, they are included without really having to participate. And be upfront about what’s possible. That way the person is not surprised and can make a good choice about whether or not to attend. Nine times out of ten, it is better to be asked and have to say no than not to be asked at all.
Be Flexible. If you are going to invite a person with a disability, be prepared to modify the plans a bit to accommodate for them. You shouldn’t have to change everything, but understand that some accommodation needs to be made, even if it’s just making sure there is a place to sit. If you’re not willing to be flexible, or to plan ahead, this is when you shouldn’t invite the person in the first place.
Be Honest. Sometimes you won’t want to exchange ringside seats for accessible ones that are a mile away. Who would? If this is the case, be honest. Don’t make your friend with a disability guess what you’re thinking. It’s rude and a little mean to be secretive or not to speak up. You don’t have to include everyone all of the time. So don’t offer half-assed invitations.
Be Realistic. As a person with a disability, it is wrong to think that inclusion means everyone gets to do everything all of the time. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), we don’t live in that world. Do everything you can to be proactive, to challenge yourself, to participate, but know that you’ll still have to sit a few out. And it’s up to you to deal with that, and let people know that it’s okay by you.
Do you have any thoughts on this? I’d like to hear what you think.
The brief exchange reminded me of a conversation I had ages ago with a friend about unwritten “rules of the road.” She drives a Jeep, and every time she sees another one, she and the other driver exchange friendly waves as they size up each other’s vehicles. She explained to me that this behavior is so common among Jeep owners that it might as well be printed in the car’s instruction manual.
Since having that conversation, I’ve made a concerted effort to smile and nod at every person in a wheelchair I pass, and I’ve given a lot of thought to the wheelchair rules of the road. These are the most amusing tips for walkies I’ve found on the net, and Wikipedia's guide to disability etiquette is extremely useful too (Thanks Karen!).
]]>“It’s no big deal when he turns it right off,” said the neighbor. “But when he stays at his girlfriend’s place on the weekends and forgets to switch it off, it blasts for hours!”
I’m guilty of a similar transgression. My walker makes a horrible scrapping noise on my hardwood floors, and once upon a time my downstairs neighbor left me a strongly worded note asking me to PLEASE stop moving my furniture around at night. She was mortified when she discovered it was my walker making that sound. But I’m so glad she said something to me.
Accommodations for people with disabilities are necessary and good. But it’s important to be aware of how they may impact others. Now I avoid using my walker at night.
Originally uploaded by Zesmerelda
This week Tammy and I discuss Art Smith's Table 52 on our podcast. If you use an electric chair this tiny space in a no go, but if you don't mind dealing with a stair or two, and asking folks to scoot in their chairs, it's a worthy stop. The staff is very accommodating, and outdoor dining is an option during summer months.
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